Oct. 15 – A woman on the phone; the complicated ending of a love relationship; the anguish, suffering; and a conversation interrupted several times. This is the story behind “La Voce Umana,” a monologue-play by French author Jean Cocteau written in 1930. The monologue was performed by Anna Magnani in the film “L’Amore” in the episode “Una Voce Umana,” directed by Roberto Rossellini. Last year, Cocteau’s work received new life as director Edoardo Ponti directed his mother, Sophia Loren, in the role. Loren first approached the role when she was 14, fascinated by Anna Magnani’s performance. “La Voce Umana” is an exciting film, written by Erri De Luca in Neapolitan, giving it a clear poetic dialect. It tells the story of Angela – an elderly woman – and her poignant last phone conversation with the man she loves, when he leaves her for another woman. Presented at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, it won the unanimous applause from the audience. Now the film arrives in Buenos Aires to celebrate Sofia Loren’s 80th birthday thanks to the Italian Institute of Culture. The Institute decided to screen the movie tonight at 6:30pm to pay tribute to one of the most famous actresses in the history of world cinema. “We thank Edoardo Ponti for allowing us to screen the film” reads a note by the IIC, who decided to open the doors of the event to everyone, free of charge. Professor Nestor Tirri, film critic, essayist and contributor to the daily La Nación, will introduce the film. (PO / Gil)
